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Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Ernie Seneca
Date: April 17, 2003 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY SIGNS HOUSE BILL 36 ON INVOLUNTARY STERILIZATIONS
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today signed House Bill 36, an act to repeal the outmoded law authorizing involuntary sterilizations.
In the future, the only sterilizations permitted will be for mentally-impaired wards when there is a medical necessity such as cancer treatment.
“I want to thank Rep. (Larry) Womble, Sen. (Jeanne) Lucas and their fellow legislators in the General Assembly for their hard work in making sure that past injustices are not repeated,” Easley said. “This new law will ensure that sterilization procedures are only used when the individual faces a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.
“To the victims and families of this regrettable episode in North Carolina’s past, I extend my sincere apologies and want to assure them that we will not forget what they have endured,” Easley said.
(Editor’s Note: Digital photos of the signing ceremony will be posted today on the Press Office web site. For information, call 919/733-5612.)
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Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Ernie Seneca
Date: April 17, 2003 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY SIGNS HOUSE BILL 36 ON INVOLUNTARY STERILIZATIONS
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today signed House Bill 36, an act to repeal the outmoded law authorizing involuntary sterilizations.
In the future, the only sterilizations permitted will be for mentally-impaired wards when there is a medical necessity such as cancer treatment.
“I want to thank Rep. (Larry) Womble, Sen. (Jeanne) Lucas and their fellow legislators in the General Assembly for their hard work in making sure that past injustices are not repeated,” Easley said. “This new law will ensure that sterilization procedures are only used when the individual faces a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.
“To the victims and families of this regrettable episode in North Carolina’s past, I extend my sincere apologies and want to assure them that we will not forget what they have endured,” Easley said.
(Editor’s Note: Digital photos of the signing ceremony will be posted today on the Press Office web site. For information, call 919/733-5612.)
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